What is a URL? In Plain English
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It's the web address of a page. Here's what it means, its parts, and why it matters for SEO.
In Plain English
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It’s the address you type into a browser to visit a specific page on a website.
For example:
https://www.example.com/about-usis a URL.
Think of a URL as the street address of your web page — it tells browsers (and Google) exactly where to find it.
The Parts of a URL
A URL is made up of different sections:
- Protocol:
https://– tells the browser how to connect. - Domain name:
example.com– the main name of the website. - Path:
/about-us– the specific page or resource.
Some URLs also include:
- Parameters: e.g.
?id=123– often used for filters or tracking. - Anchor: e.g.
#section2– jumps to a part of the page.
Why URLs Matter for SEO
URLs are more than just addresses — they can help search engines and users understand what a page is about.
Good practice for SEO:
- Keep URLs short and descriptive.
- Use keywords where relevant.
- Avoid random numbers, symbols, or long strings.
A clean URL looks professional, is easier to share, and signals clarity to both Google and users.
FAQs
Q: What does URL stand for?
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator.
Q: What are the main parts of a URL?
Protocol (https), domain name (example.com), and path (/about-us).
Q: Why should URLs be short and clean?
Because simple, descriptive URLs are easier for people to read and for search engines to understand.